Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 31, 2026, a concerned mother called the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) and reported that her older son, Etisone Fa’asua had allegedly assaulted his younger 18-year-old brother.

The suspect was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1 & 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed 15 days, a fine of not more than $300 but not less than $150, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 3: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed 15 days, a fine of not more than $300 but not less than $150, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court documents, the physical assault occurred during a disturbance at the family home. Officers were dispatched to the residence and were met by the reporting party, who immediately informed officers that the suspect remained inside the residence. She requested that police take him into custody and stated that she did not want him to return to the family home.

A short time later, the suspect exited the residence and sat outside. Police spoke with the mother who reiterated her request that her son be arrested. She informed officers that the incident was not an isolated occurrence and indicated that similar acts of violence had happened in the past.

Police officers placed Mr. Fa'asua under arrest without incident and transported him to the FPS for further investigation. While one officer escorted the suspect, other officers remained at the residence to interview the reporting party and the victim regarding the events that had occurred.

According to the mother's statement to police, the disturbance began earlier that afternoon. She explained that while she was eating lunch, her oldest son approached her and requested Tylenol and a glass of ice water because he was not feeling well and was suffering from a headache. She provided him with both items and told him that she would massage his head after she finished eating.The mother stated that after completing her meal, she approached her son and informed him that she was ready to help him.

However, instead of accepting her assistance, she alleged that he became angry and began yelling profanities. According to her statement, he told her to leave him alone and used offensive language during the exchange.

Following the verbal confrontation, the mother returned to her room to rest.

Approximately 25 minutes later, she said she heard a loud commotion coming from another part of the residence. Concerned by the noise, she exited her room to investigate.

Upon reaching the area where the disturbance was occurring, she observed her two sons engaged in a physical altercation. She immediately attempted to intervene and separate them. However, the suspect attempted to strike her with a punch but missed, causing her to fall to the ground.

The mother told investigators that after she fell, the suspect continued attacking his younger brother. She stated that she witnessed him repeatedly punching the victim, causing him to fall to the ground. She further alleged that after the victim was on the floor, the suspect continued the assault him by kicking him several times in the head and back.

Unable to stop the violence herself, she contacted her brother for assistance and then called police to report the incident.

The victim provided a similar account of the events when interviewed by investigators. He stated that he had been inside his bedroom when the suspect allegedly kicked open the bedroom door and entered the room without warning.

According to the victim, the suspect immediately began punching him. He stated that he attempted to defend himself but was unable to overcome the size and strength difference between himself and his older brother. The victim said their mother attempted to stop the fight but was unsuccessful. He recalled that she eventually contacted their uncle for help.

The victim told police that his memory of the incident was limited due to the severity of the attack. He stated that he remembered being on the floor while the suspect repeatedly punched and kicked him. He further stated that the assault only ended after the suspect eventually stopped and returned to his room.

While conducting their investigation, officers observed visible injuries on the victim. According to the report, his eyes appeared red, and officers noted minor scratches around his left eye. The victim also complained of pain in his head and requested medical attention.

Due to the nature of the injuries and the victim's complaints of pain, officers requested Emergency Medical Services to respond to the FPS to evaluate and treat him. The victim was subsequently transported for further medical examination.

Following his arrest, the suspect was transported to the FPS, where investigators advised him of his constitutional rights. According to police, Fa'asua voluntarily waived his rights and agreed to provide a statement regarding the incident.

During the interview, the suspect acknowledged that he had not been feeling well earlier in the day and confirmed that his mother had given him medication and water for his headache. He also confirmed that his mother had informed him she would massage his head after finishing her lunch.

He continued that he later observed his younger brother disregarding instructions given by their mother. He stated that he believed his brother was being disrespectful and became upset by the behavior.

The suspect told investigators that he walked to his brother's bedroom and slapped him on the cheek because he wanted to discipline him. He claimed that his younger brother responded by punching him in the mouth.

According to the suspect, the physical confrontation escalated after that initial exchange. He admitted punching the victim multiple times during the fight and further acknowledged grabbing him and slamming him onto the ground.

Investigators also questioned the suspect regarding allegations that he had used profanity during the incident. Initially, he denied swearing at anyone in the household. However, after additional questioning, he admitted that he had used profanity during the altercation, although he maintained that his remarks were not directed toward his mother.

When asked to explain the extent of the assault, the suspect repeatedly maintained that he was acting in self-defense after being struck by his younger brother.

Despite his claims, investigators documented statements from both the victim and the reporting party alleging that the suspect continued the assault after the victim had been knocked to the ground.

Following completion of the interview process, police formally booked the suspect and later transported him to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he was confined pending his appearance before the District Court.

According to a subsequent note included in the police report, the victim and his mother later returned to the police station after receiving medical attention. They informed officers that the victim was doing well following treatment.

The mother also reiterated her concerns regarding the suspect's behavior and stated that she no longer wanted him residing at the family home. She reportedly expressed fear for her younger son's safety and informed officers that the incident was part of an ongoing pattern of violent behavior.

In addition, she requested a restraining order against the suspect and asked that he be prohibited from contacting or approaching either her or the victim.

The matter remains before the court.

The defendant is identified as a 24-year-old U.S National.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on June 01, 2026

As with all criminal cases, the allegations outlined in court filings remain accusations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

[Editor’s Note: An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation for use as evidence in court. It is not a court decision.]